By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Greenhouse development in Chatham-Kent has been put on hold temporarily.
Chatham-Kent council approved an interim bylaw May 10 that will allow administration to investigate the effects large-scale greenhouse operations on urban areas and the environment.
Officials will also be examining the issue of light pollution and how that can be abated. Staff plan on consulting all relevant stakeholders, including the public, greenhouse owners and government agencies.
A number of municipalities including Essex and Lakeshore have adopted rules to control the hours of when the light from the greenhouses can shine in order to minimize the effect on wildlife and people.
Mitigation sometimes includes the installation of blackout systems.
Administration’s report will come back to council in September.
